Sustainability at Amanwana

This remote retreat remains one of the few developments on Moyo, since Aman arrived in Indonesia three decades ago. North of Sumbawa, in 2022, it was officially named part of Moyo Satonda National Park by the Indonesian government, and this extends to the ocean area in front of the resort.  Expert guides accompany guests on hikes to Mata Jitu Waterfall, offering insight into the significance of the local flora and fauna.  

Sulphur-crested cockatoos, previously wiped out from hunting, are no longer endangered and nest on the island. A protected sanctuary for the majestic Rusa deer, a species native to Indonesia, the resort has also led a conservation programme on the island for more than 25 years. The population of the indigenous deer has steadily increased and guests are frequently treated to the sight of their graceful presence in the grounds. 

Komodo and Flores might be more famous for diving, but the charm of Moyo’s waters is that it’s only Aman guests who can visit the dive site of Sea Wall, so it's only ever a few people at a time exploring this healthy marine environment. An indication that the biodiversity in these coordinates is doing well is when you can see a shiver of a dozen baby sharks or hawksbill turtles swimming close by. 

With Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles choosing to nest on the beach from November to April, Amanwana is committed to conserving the shores and supporting the preservation of these endangered sea creatures. A dedicated team safeguard the turtle nests during the 60-day incubation period and as part of the conservation programme, to educate and promote the protection of turtles, guests can dive with turtles in their natural environment during guided tours and witness hatchlings embark on their inaugural journey to the sea under the stars.    

As sea levels and temperatures sadly continue to rise globally, Amanwana is growing more corals in front of the resort, working with a dedicated NGO to educate Moyo residents to fish more sensitively. The metal frames are created in a way that they are tied with rope from forest roots, and then the coral is tied onto the iron frame and in three or months, it is growing strongly

Amanwana in collaboration with Konservasi Indonesia has launched an initiative where guests can adopt a Whale shark. The initiative aims to encourage greater awareness of the importance of  Whale shark conservation and healthy marine ecosystems.  It also supports crucial conservations efforts and research to protect these globally endangered creatures. Every adopted shark is humanely fitted with a satellite transmitter which allows the organisation to observe their diving and migratory behaviour, helping to support the conservation of the species. 

Vibrant with jungle orchids and fruit plants, Amanwana’s kitchen garden is thriving, but while the property spans 50 hectares, only about 20% of the land is used — the rest is given over to wilderness. Many varieties of chilli are grown alongside a wide array of vegetables and herbs that are used in the camp’s daily menus. Aubergines and tomatoes grow in abundance in fenced-off areas, safe from the deer, monkeys and wild boar that roam near the camp. 

When it comes to the sustainability of the food at Amanwana, fish is the star of the menu, and this is bought locally, which means a naturally seasonality-led cuisine. The green leaves of the moringa tree are antioxidant-rich and celebrated as a superfood, especially delicious in a chicken broth or Soto Ayam. This local focus extends to a fresh approach to the building materials, too; in terms of the design, where there were once bamboo shingles used for the roofs, they’ve now been replaced by the local community’s preferred woven coconut-leaf cadjans. Made here on the island, it’s a reminder that local is what works best — in terms of taste, look, and supporting the local economy. 

The nearby village of Labuan Aji is the largest on the island, with only 500 or so residents. While Moyo might be half the size of Singapore there are only a few communities with a small number of houses. At Amanwana, there are about 50 to 70 employees, with more than half of the team coming from the island. The team visits local schools twice a month to teach English and share environmental ideas since this isn’t a part of the curriculum.   

Guests like the assurance that a property is 99% plastic-free — and at Amanwana, single-use plastic has been almost entirely eliminated. The team also helps local communities build their own waste-management facilities with guidance on how to avoid using plastic and why this matters. Support around this understanding and helping get facilities financed by the government so that trash can be shipped back to Sumbawa is vital since, as a hospitality business, Amanwana is already involved in logistics. Food waste is measured, and vegetable and fruit waste composted for natural fertiliser.   

Less than 3% of the world’s water sources are freshwater, even though water covers about 71% of the planet's surface — so it’s meaningful that Amanwana has its own borehole. This provides a strong supply of good water, and a tap is also provided for the neighbouring village.